In a striking testament to the pace of change in today’s world, it’s estimated that many of the jobs that will be available in the next ten years haven’t even been created yet. This unprecedented rate of change is reshaping the landscape of leadership and employment, compelling leaders and employees alike to develop new skills and “superpowers” to succeed in roles that are yet to be defined.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down on the Brand to Change podcast with Greg Welch, a Partner at Spencer Stuart, and a well-known figure in the executive recruiting industry. The business world is churning every day with new variables, demands, challenges and opportunities, and Greg easily identified several key superpowers leaders need to hone now in order to have a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Listen to the podcast episode:
Here’s a shortlist of top skills emerging leaders should consider developing now:
- Superior Vision: The ability to anticipate and navigate future trends is more crucial than ever. This superpower involves a proactive learning mindset and a keen awareness of consumer trends and competitive dynamics.
- Data Wizardry: In an increasingly data-driven world, the skill to analyze and leverage data for strategic insights is invaluable. This ability enables employees to refine strategies and drive organizational growth.
- Strategic Long-Term Thinking: The capacity to look beyond immediate goals and understand the broader impacts of decisions is a highly sought-after skill.
The Transformative Role of AI in the Workplace and Marketing
Greg stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the workplace. It certainly enhances efficiency by automating routine tasks, allowing employees to concentrate on more strategic and creative work. AI’s ability to process vast data offers unparalleled insights, aiding in smarter decision-making.
Elon Musk has been quoted as saying artificial intelligence will exceed human intelligence and grow significantly in capability, potentially by five to tenfold per year, saying it is the most disruptive force in nature, and will have huge impacts on society, including the way we work.
Meanwhile, AI’s impact on marketing is profound, enabling hyper-personalization and optimization of strategies. While it may transform certain jobs, AI primarily creates new opportunities. Marketers adept at blending AI insights with human creativity are well-positioned for success in this new landscape.
Understanding and embracing AI is vital for modern professionals. AI should be viewed as a complement to human skills, not a replacement. Working alongside AI, recognizing its limitations, and harnessing its potential can significantly enhance an employee’s capabilities.
The future of work requires evolving hard and soft skills, with an increasingly strong need to be able to see around corners, strategically embracing AI, and having a firm grasp on data and metrics to drive smart decisions. Adapting to these evolving trends ensures professionals remain relevant and effective, contributing significantly to their organizations in a rapidly changing business environment.
